PUGET SOUND 



and far-reaching waters, ever changing in the 

 shifting lights and shades of the clouds and 

 sunshine. In the background there are a mile 

 or two of field and forest and sunny oak open- 

 ings; then comes the forest primeval, dense 

 and shaggy and well-nigh impenetrable. 



Notwithstanding the importance claimed 

 for Victoria as a commercial center and the 

 capital of British Columbia, it has a rather 

 young, loose-jointed appearance. The gov- 

 ernment buildings and some of the business 

 blocks on the main streets are well built and 

 imposing in bulk and architecture. These are 

 far less interesting and characteristic, however, 

 than the mansions set in the midst of spacious 

 pleasure-grounds and the lovely home cot- 

 tages embowered in honeysuckle and climb- 

 ing roses. One soon discovers that this is no 

 Yankee town. The Enghsh faces and the way 

 that English is spoken alone would tell that; 

 while in business quarters there is a staid dig- 

 nity and moderation that is very noticeable, 

 and a want of American push and hiurah. 

 Love of land and of privacy in homes is made 

 manifest in the residences, many of which 

 are bmlt in the middle of fields and orchards 

 or large city blocks, and in the loving care 

 with which these home-grounds are planted. 

 They are very beautiful. The fineness of the 



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